A luckless last-start second in stakes company looks a good form reference for High Mist in benchmark grade at Warwick Farm today.

High Mist appears well-placed in the Schweppes Benchmark 67 Handicap over 1600m after a close second in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) last time out.

On that occasion High Mist was luckless when badly held up for a run in the straight and copped a significant check that saw him lose all momentum.

Despite that High Mist picked himself up and hit the line well to finish only a half length behind the promising Swear.

His Timeform figure through that performance was clear of the last start rating of any of today’s rivals and he looks to have an edge on weight-adjusted figures, particularly with the likelihood of further improvement.

High Mist takes on some more experienced gallopers today but the drop to a restricted race is a significant one and his closing effort last start suggests he is looking for the mile now.

Hi previous run was at 1500m when he again hit the line hard for a head second to Golden Organic at Rosehill and he looks capable of progressing to better three-year-old races later in the carnival.

His Chris Waller-trained stablemate Pianissimo looks the main danger.

Also a progressive three-year-old, Pianissimo has returned a much better horse this campaign, winning his last two outings after a first up second.

He charged home to break his maiden over 1400m at Kembla Grange two runs back then took the step up to city racing when a comfortable 1.5L winner in slightly higher benchmark company to this at Canterbury over 1550m.

Those efforts will have him well prepared for the mile today and he has continued to improve his Timeform rating with every outing so if he can do the same today he can pose a threat to his stablemate.

Another than can be competitive on ratings is Grand Allowance.

He has been well-travelled of late but has come through some high-rating races and has had a month’s freshen up since his last outing, a factor that should serve him well as he races strongly on the fresh side.

Grand Allowance is a dual winner at 1600m and is aided by the 3kg claim for Nick Heywood.

Adaboy Ross could also be an improver with blinkers off today.

His recent form has been mixed but his best efforts would hold up well in a race like this and he is a dual winner at Warwick Farm.